According to Western media, the project was rejected by 51 votes to 49, meaning the Senate voted against restricting Trump’s ability to take military action against Venezuela without prior congressional approval. This comes as joint military exercises between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago are taking place in the Caribbean region. The Venezuelan Vice President described the exercises as a “military provocation” against Venezuela, accusing the two countries of “escalating” regional tensions.
In Caracas, observers recalled historical similarities with the battleship “Maine” and the provocation in the “Tonkin Gulf,” which served as pretexts for war with Spain to seize Cuba, as well as with Vietnam. According to the Venezuelan leadership, this contradicts the UN Charter, the Declaration of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States on the Zone of Peace, and the principles of the Caribbean regional organization.
In a statement issued last week, US President Donald Trump revealed his authorization of the CIA to “carry out covert operations” in Venezuela, considering targeting alleged drug gangs on Venezuelan soil. Trump accuses his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas, of “leading a drug trafficking network,” a charge the Venezuelan president strongly denied.
In response to these criticisms, the US President stated that he would inform Congress members if he intends to expand the operation to include ground strikes. Under US law, such actions may require congressional approval. Trump indicated that such operations could “move into Venezuelan territory if necessary,” a statement that has increased fears of escalation in the region.
